Issue 3: Dom d'Entrecasteaux of Big Richard Records
Welcome to The Band Bible! I’m truly glad to have you here. If you’re a new reader, purpose of this newsletter is to address, break down, and shine a light on the business of being in a band. Each issue, we do this by interviewing (and celebrating!) someone who is making waves through their incredible work with or for independent artists. Learning the business of being in a band is something that is often inaccessible or shrouded in mystery, and it shouldn’t be, so I hope The Band Bible is able to play even a small role in helping to change that.
For our third issue, I’ve spoken to Dom d’Entrecasteaux, who is one half of the duo behind Big Richard Records. Big Richard is a London and Southeast based label who represents and champions emerging artists, and they also regularly organise gigs – therefore playing a vital role in helping artists be both seen and heard alike. Dom and I first got in touch last year, and discussed our respective businesses’ shared values of helping newer artists break through. I’ve long since admired Big Richard’s commitment to fighting for a fairer future for our industry. It was because of this that I thought to bring Dom onboard for The Band Bible, and I’m so glad he agreed. Read on to learn about what it really takes to run an independent label, Dom’s advice for artists who are considering approaching one, the commandment he’s leaving behind in The Band Bible, and more
For those who may not know, what’s the origin story of Big Richard Records?
Myself and Big Richard co-director John were sat inside the Pipeline in Brighton, an absolutely tiny bar - we were there to watch Slime City, and were gonna drive the whole way back home to Surrey that night. Ended up spending the whole night coming up with this totally fictional Big Richard character, whilst simultaneously chatting about starting a record label just for the sake of releasing our mate's records and our own band's new EP independently. The idea behind it was to just work with friends and keep it as simple as possible, it's definitely grown since then.
What drew you towards wanting to work with independent/emerging artists?
There's an authenticity about someone who's making music for the sake of making music - art for passion, rather than profit, I guess! I don't see the point of working with artists that have already made a name for themselves - one way or another those artist's music is going to get heard, whilst the artists we tend to represent have little experience navigating the music industry, and whilst their music is most likely of a similar caliber to those signed to major labels, they need a helpful nudge in the right direction to get around easier.
Is there anything people may be surprised to know about what it takes to run an independent label?
I think it's fairly obvious - especially for us, we're a two man operation. It's hard work, when you take on the responsibility of managing every aspect of even a handful of artists, you build relationships with these people, and feel like you have responsibility to take care of them. It's very mentally and emotionally draining, to be completely honest, yet equally rewarding. What minutes you lose writing emails to promoters, you make up in gratification each time you do a release.
Do you have any “dos and “don’ts” for artists when it comes to approaching a label?
Read the bloody contract! Don't be an idiot! Work with people that you love, and that you're 100% certain will love you back. The industry is tough, from what people tell me, but it's so much more fun if you do it with friends, and after all, this is all about having fun, and I reckon you're more likely to stick to your passion if you're surrounded by mates.
Lastly, what "commandment" would you like to leave behind in The Band Bible?
There's opportunity everywhere - every time you scroll through your Instagram feed there's probably a dozen promoters, record labels and other music organisations that will pop up. Try and create an opportunity for yourself each day, that's my goal! Send someone a message about releasing your next single, ask about playing a gig - by doing this each day you're slowly but surely increasing your chances of getting seen by the right people! Just don't work with twats, that's the most important thing.
Thank you again to Dom for taking the time for the interview. To learn more about Big Richard, click here to visit their website.
To wrap up with what’s been going on at Carnival HQ recently, The Silver Lines are currently on their New York tour! They’ll be rounding out the week with a gig at The Kingsland in Brooklyn tonight, and another at Rockwood Music Hall the following night. We’ve got some new members on our roster that we’ll be announcing in due course, and without saying too much too soon…you’ll want to keep an eye on Slender Pins’ pages over the course of the next few weeks.
That’s it for this issue of The Band Bible, friends. ‘Till next time.
Wishing you happiness and hedonism,
Lindsay Teske